FAQs

How do I get a free library card?

If you are a Jaffrey or Sharon resident, own property, or work or attend school in Jaffrey, you are eligible for a free library card. Bring a current photo ID with up-to-date address and, if you are not a resident of Jaffrey, proof of local employment or your school ID. If you are a new resident and your photo ID does not have the current address, you may bring in other proof of local residence such as a pay stub, utility bill, or rental agreement. (Please see our Circulation policy)

I am not a Jaffrey or Sharon resident. Can I still get a card?

Yes! If you own property, or work full-time or attend school in Jaffrey, you are eligible for a free library card. If you vacation in Jaffrey or live in a nearby town, you may register for a single user, non-resident library card at a cost of $45 for six (6) months or $80 for a full year.  A household (multi-user) non-resident card is $100 for a year, and we offer a senior discount of only $40 per year for anyone over the age of 65.

How old do you need to be to get a library card?

You must be five (5) years or older to register for a library card. Children ages 5 - 12 require a signed registration by a parent or guardian. (Please see our Circulation Policy)

Do I need to bring my children with me to sign them up for library cards?

Yes, we ask that your children be present when registering for their own cards.

Can I sign up my grandchild for a library card?

Parents or legal guardians must be the ones to register their children for library cards.  

Can I ask a friend or family member to pick up my books for me?

We cannot give your books to anyone but you, without your express permission, per state law. If you want someone else to pick up your books, please call ahead and let us know.

Why can’t you tell me what my child/spouse/parent has checked out?

 The Jaffrey Public Library adheres to New Hampshire’s Library User Records Confidentiality law (RSA 201-D:11) regarding user record confidentiality. RSA 201-D:11 protects the privacy of all borrowers, regardless of age. The records - including books on hold, titles of checkouts, and reasons for fees - of teens and children who have their own library cards are subject to the same privacy restrictions as the records of adult borrowers. (http://gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XVI/201-D/201-D-11.htm)

How can I renew my library materials?

By phone (603-532-7301), by text (603-256-5195), in-person, or online! You may call, text or visit the library and ask a staff member to renew your materials. Alternatively, you can log in to your account from home by visiting our catalog and entering your library card number and password. Once logged in, click ‘My Account’ and select the ‘Items Out/Renewals’ tab to review and renew your materials.

Please note that we do not renew interlibrary loans without the permission of the lending library. We therefore ask that you give us a couple days’ notice that you would like to renew, to ensure our ability to contact the lending library before your due date.

My friend downloads digital eBooks and audiobooks free from the library. How can I set up my account to begin accessing the digital collection?

With your library card, you have access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and online databases. To access these digital resources, visit our catalog and login with your library card number and password. If you’re not sure what your password is, we are happy to reset it for you.

For eBooks and audiobooks, under the ‘Electronic Resources’ section click the link to Overdrive. You can also access Overdrive directly as an app on your phone or tablet. If you need assistance with Overdrive or any of our electronic resources we are happy to help!  Contact a librarian today.

What do I do if can’t find what I’m looking for in your catalog?

We can request books that are not in the Jaffrey Public Library collection from other libraries in New Hampshire (Inter-Library Loan). There is a limit of 3 active requests per person. We do not request recently published materials (within the last six months).

If you are interested in a recently published title or would like to make a suggestion for purchase, please let us know! Requests can be made at the circulation desk or online through your library account. If we decide to purchase it, you will be placed on reserve for it when it is processed and ready.

What do I do if I lose my library card?

Replacement cards cost $1.

I just bought a Kindle/iPad/smartphone and now I’m stuck. Will you help me learn to use it?

Yes! You can schedule a half-hour tech appointment with a librarian. We are happy to help!

Is there free WIFI at the library?

Yes! No password is necessary.

How old do my children have to be to visit the library on their own?

Children under twelve (12) years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an appropriate parent or caregiver 16 years of age or older. Exceptions are made for library programs that allow registration and permission slips.

How much does it cost to print from the library computers?

$.25/page for black /white copies; $.50/page for color copies

Do you have a fax?

We do not have a fax, but patrons may scan pages to an email or USB drive. The first ten pages are Free!  (.05/page thereafter)